THE 10 BEST Santa Cruz Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Santa Cruz
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Nature & Parks
Traveler rating
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29 places sorted by traveler favorites
Recommended Outdoor Activities (5)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Hiking Trails
What travelers are saying
- glennmartinwcSan Francisco, CA33 contributionsWe just strolled here from our hotel to check out the arch, but found this to be a hidden gem! A short walk through the lushly forested area brings you to a small beach strewn with driftwood. This is certainly the place to come if you want a day at the beach and don't need the boardwalk. There is a Visitors' Center, and several trails that delve deeper into the wooded areas. Don't miss this if you're in the area!Written July 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alan FLos Gatos, CA236 contributionsWilder Ranch State Park is one of my favorite hiking destinations. Even if you’re not into hiking, there’s plenty to do at this popular nature preserve.
There are easy, moderate, and strenuous trails for hikers and mountain bikers alike, both inland and along the coast. I especially enjoy the Ohlone Bluff Trail in the summer when it’s hot inland. Hawks circle overhead, pelicans dive into the chilly water to catch fish, and cormorants sun themselves on rocky outcroppings. There are spectacular picture-perfect ocean vistas of massive cliffs carved by centuries of wave action. Between December and April you might spot migrating grey whales just offshore. I’ve often seen seals lounging on the beaches below as well as sea otters floating nearby. The trails along the bluff are flat but if you’re adventurous you can scramble down to one of several beaches where you can explore a fern grotto (at Marker Post 8) or maybe wade into a tide pool to see the colorful sea anemones at low tide.
All-day parking is $10 per car (or $9 for seniors) and it’s worth it if you want to support this amazing park. There are clean restrooms at the parking lot.
This former ranch and dairy is also a terrific destination for history buffs. You can stroll around the complex of historic buildings, including an 1859 Gothic Revival farmhouse, a red tile-roofed adobe, and the beautifully preserved Queen Anne Victorian home that California pioneer Deloss Wilder built for his family in 1897. There are plenty of picnic tables. Docents are often available for guided tours on weekends. The water-powered machine shop, built in 1896, is fascinating. Kids will enjoy seeing the farm animals up close.
I highly recommend Wilder Ranch State Park. It’s ideal for hiking, biking, families, and especially out-of-town visitors who want a classic Northern California coastal experience.Written March 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - johnmodestoModesto, CA670 contributionsLarge arboretum with excellent display of Australian and South African plants. The arboretum has its own entrance off of Empire Grade/High Street. There is a large free parking area. You can buy admission tickets online or at the gift shop, if it happens to be open. If not you can stuff money into a metal tube, which is what we did. The gardens for Australia and South Africa are large, with many diverse trees, bushes, succulents, and other plants. The setting is beautiful, though casual--nobody would accuse UC Santa Cruz of having formal gardens. Squirrels and rabbits wander here and there, and useful signage tells you about the plants and their normal environment. There is a New Zealand section, we didn't visit that but looking through the fence it appeared to be a picturesque meadow with wooden sculptures.Written February 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- akat411San Francisco, CA138 contributionsWorth a visit if you're in the area and want to see some ocean research exhibits. It's not very big but there are a number of tanks to see different animals. There is a touch pool to touch sea stars and the best thing was the chance to touch a swell shark. Very cool! We went as a big family group and the kids were engaged. The site is cliff side with a pretty walking path and beautiful view. Would recommend.Written June 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Balasubramanian RChennai (Madras), India732 contributionsSanta Cruz Main Beach is one of the important tourist attraction place. Behind the beach amusement park boardwalk and other things are there. Enjoyed the beach and an excellent view. It attracts tourists from all walks of lifeWritten September 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sonofdragonSan Jose, CA268 contributionsLived in the bay area for years but never take Santa Cruz seriously. Some good things surely come during this pandemic madness. Discovery of Pleasure Point was a blessing for us since we're having pandemic fatigue. Walking the public path while enjoying the breeze/waves was cooling/calming to the mind. Watching the surfers ride the waves was so exciting. Seeing people jogging/running/walking/biking is very inspiring. And the sea birds flying close just above the waves and diving for a catch was a sure wow moment to watch. Words cant say more. Stop the worry and make life livable again!Written January 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michelle GPrien am Chiemsee, Germany22 contributionsArea around the lighthouse is very nice and clean. We were there at low tide, so we could walk up to the lighthouse without getting drenched by breaking waves. Very cool!Written January 21, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sybille CEdgartown, Massachusetts, United States56 contributionsCould be advertised with better signage, but a place to visit for as long as we have these beautiful monarchsWritten May 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA176,137 contributionsWe did a return visit to Waddell State Beach. This is an awesome beach to watch the wind surfers. Part of Big Basin Redwood State Park is across the way.Written December 10, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CompatibleMelbourne, Australia34 contributionsIt’s really the best seaside amusement park in the world. It has two sides and the only transportation is a granola! Explore the countless rides and experience the thrill!Written February 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- miniFremont, CA176,137 contributionsWe enjoyed going to Twin Lakes State Beach in Santa Cruz. Its close to the main harbor area. We liked the views. We took a nice walk by the Pacific Ocean.Written July 13, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Theresa A30 contributionsThe beach is very pretty, but a little scruffy in parts. There were a few homeless folks on the beach and in some parts we found dog poop. The part by the lighthouse was nicer and cleaner.Written March 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Balasubramanian RChennai (Madras), India732 contributionsName is derived from the fact that the beach is near by Light house and it is just situated northern side of the lighthouse. In this beach dogs are allowed and tourists enjoyed with the pet one. Western side Pacific ocean.Written September 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dr. TimMarana, AZ5,139 contributionsThe 16th of the 21 California Missions I visited on my Motorcycle trip was Mission Santa Cruz aka The Mission of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It was founded August 28th, 1791 as the 12th Spanish Mission. The original mission is all ruins and a new “replica” mission was built in the 1930s across the street and is very small. Holy Cross Catholic Church is across the street and Holy Cross School is next door. I was there on 9-11 so with all the festivities there was no parking nearby. Also the mission State Park was closed so make sure you check their website for hours and availability.Written September 12, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John MSanta Cruz, CA4,376 contributionsThe surfing scene is unique for most visitors from out of the area who find that it is always interesting to watch both the surfers in the water, and the other people watching the surfers.Written January 18, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Santa Cruz:
- Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)
- Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Private Day Trip from San Francisco
- BEST Redwood Forest Steam Train, Santa Cruz Harbor Day Trip from San Francisco
- Big Sur Private Charter from San Francisco by Luxury SUV 10 hrs
- Wildlife Encounters on Monterey Bay private and semi-private tour
- These places are best for nature & parks in Santa Cruz:
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- UCSC Arboretum
- Pleasure Point Beach
- These are the best places for kid-friendly nature & parks in Santa Cruz:
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- UCSC Arboretum
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
- These are the best places for couples seeking nature & parks in Santa Cruz:
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- UCSC Arboretum
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
- Pleasure Point Beach
- These are the best places for groups seeking nature & parks in Santa Cruz:
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- UCSC Arboretum
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
- These are the best places for budget-friendly nature & parks in Santa Cruz:
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- UCSC Arboretum
- Santa Cruz Main Beach
See what travelers are asking
Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic.
So I havent seen this post recently. Debating the merits of staying in Santa Cruz vs Capitola.
We are are a sports team of 15- 16 yr old boys traveling from Orange County ,ca to the area in end of July. Games can range from being in Sc, Aptos, cabrillo and San Lorenzo. We will be in the area for four days with some down time in the evenings.
Hotels are expensive in both areas. Looking into the Fairfield inn in Capitola (rates ave ~$300 but with breakfast & bocci ball court) with some of chain restaurants like chipotle & mall nearby.
The other option to to get a hotel in SC possibly Hotel Paradox in the higher end (~$330 but no breakfast) or Holiday Inn or Hyatt place same price as FI.
Pls lmk your thoughts of what would be a better city SC or C?
Would like a hotel where parents & kids have a nice common area to congregate during down time.
Also would like to have the boys have access to fun things to do during down time & have access to good food options since 16 yrs old boys playing sports are always hungry.
Will the team with 30+ people be frustrated trying to get into a non chain restaurant in Sc?
Hotel P is off the beaten path & expensive but has nicer facilities like pool area with nice lounge area. Is the hotel worth the extra $?
Any appreciate suggestions on the hotel I mentioned or any others that I have may have overlooked.
Thank you for your advice.
We are are a sports team of 15- 16 yr old boys traveling from Orange County ,ca to the area in end of July. Games can range from being in Sc, Aptos, cabrillo and San Lorenzo. We will be in the area for four days with some down time in the evenings.
Hotels are expensive in both areas. Looking into the Fairfield inn in Capitola (rates ave ~$300 but with breakfast & bocci ball court) with some of chain restaurants like chipotle & mall nearby.
The other option to to get a hotel in SC possibly Hotel Paradox in the higher end (~$330 but no breakfast) or Holiday Inn or Hyatt place same price as FI.
Pls lmk your thoughts of what would be a better city SC or C?
Would like a hotel where parents & kids have a nice common area to congregate during down time.
Also would like to have the boys have access to fun things to do during down time & have access to good food options since 16 yrs old boys playing sports are always hungry.
Will the team with 30+ people be frustrated trying to get into a non chain restaurant in Sc?
Hotel P is off the beaten path & expensive but has nicer facilities like pool area with nice lounge area. Is the hotel worth the extra $?
Any appreciate suggestions on the hotel I mentioned or any others that I have may have overlooked.
Thank you for your advice.
Answer: There is not much for boys that age in Capitola. Its core is a small village with boutique shopping. The hotel itself is on busy 41st Avenue, not very near the village. The mall you speak of is considering going out of business and turning into something else. It has a couple of semi-fast food restaurants. It is not something the boys could walk to from the Fairfield Inn, or has anything of interest to them, IMO.
The Holiday Inn Express in Santa Cruz is not near anything for the boys except Denny's :~). It is on Ocean Street as you come into the town. The Paradox is a new remake of a Holiday Inn and it screams 'businessmen'. It is also on Ocean Avenue, but further down and just across San Lorenzo Park (about two or three blocks) from the main street of town, Pacific Avenue, with lots of restaurants of various kinds, two movie theaters, ice cream parlors, a cookie company, pizza, etc.
Have you looked into the Dream Inn? This is of the same quality as, or better than, the others but near the Wharf and a block from the Boardwalk, an old fashioned historic amusement park with no admission charge.
The hotel has a pool and faces a beach. Surfing lessons happen there. There are volleyball nets set up on part of the beach near the Boardwalk. During the summer there are free movies and concerts and aerial acts at various times on the main beach there. Of your choices, I really think this is the best. It is not inexpensive, but I think it might be in the same ballpark as the Paradox. The boys *could* walk to Pacific Avenue from here, but it is about 8 or 9 blocks to the main area .
The Hyatt is new and I know nothing about it except its location. It is on the west side and not really convenient to activities for the boys.
I am going to give you a link to a traveler article on Santa Cruz. Trip Advisor has stopped supporting these, so there is a disclaimer that the information may be outdated. The information in this article is not outdated. I will be re-writing it to put in my own files.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g33048-c133677/Santa-Cruz:California:Santa.Cruz.Sights.And.Activities.html
Good luck and let me know if I can be of help....
Edit. The Paradox is not in a "shady area of town". Yes, homeless people do hang out in San Lorenzo Park, but there is no reason for the boys to go there. If you should pick that hotel they can walk on city streets, quite safely, to get to Pacific Avenue...
The Holiday Inn Express in Santa Cruz is not near anything for the boys except Denny's :~). It is on Ocean Street as you come into the town. The Paradox is a new remake of a Holiday Inn and it screams 'businessmen'. It is also on Ocean Avenue, but further down and just across San Lorenzo Park (about two or three blocks) from the main street of town, Pacific Avenue, with lots of restaurants of various kinds, two movie theaters, ice cream parlors, a cookie company, pizza, etc.
Have you looked into the Dream Inn? This is of the same quality as, or better than, the others but near the Wharf and a block from the Boardwalk, an old fashioned historic amusement park with no admission charge.
The hotel has a pool and faces a beach. Surfing lessons happen there. There are volleyball nets set up on part of the beach near the Boardwalk. During the summer there are free movies and concerts and aerial acts at various times on the main beach there. Of your choices, I really think this is the best. It is not inexpensive, but I think it might be in the same ballpark as the Paradox. The boys *could* walk to Pacific Avenue from here, but it is about 8 or 9 blocks to the main area .
The Hyatt is new and I know nothing about it except its location. It is on the west side and not really convenient to activities for the boys.
I am going to give you a link to a traveler article on Santa Cruz. Trip Advisor has stopped supporting these, so there is a disclaimer that the information may be outdated. The information in this article is not outdated. I will be re-writing it to put in my own files.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g33048-c133677/Santa-Cruz:California:Santa.Cruz.Sights.And.Activities.html
Good luck and let me know if I can be of help....
Edit. The Paradox is not in a "shady area of town". Yes, homeless people do hang out in San Lorenzo Park, but there is no reason for the boys to go there. If you should pick that hotel they can walk on city streets, quite safely, to get to Pacific Avenue...
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